POLICE patrolling a riot-torn estate have been given hand held computers to free-up time to fight crime.

POLICE patrolling a riot-torn estate have been given hand held computers to free-up time to fight crime.

The technology will bolster plans to increase officers' effectiveness on Caia Park, Wrexham.

Yesterday Sgt Darren Jacks and his team of five beat managers were given the computers providing information on suspects at their fingertips while on patrol.

The moves will cut paperwork and free-up more time for officers to be on the beat.

It forms part of the Aquarius project, developed by North Wales Police, to provide cutting edge technology to frontline police.

The news comes after it was revealed the estate is to get a further five special constables with two neighbourhood wardens in the pipeline.

Sgt Jacks was appointed two weeks ago and will lead the five community beat managers on the estate.

He said: "A major part of our work can be done on the tablets via an airlink, meaning that we can dedicate more of our time to Caia Park and its residents.

"The computers will certainly allow us to achieve this.

"The technology, coupled with the fact that residents will be able to come along and speak to officers in the nearby schools, council buildings and other places in the locality will help us achieve our primary objective in making Caia Park a safer place - free from crime and anti-social behaviour."

The move to increase police presence on the estate comes after two nights of violence on Caia Park last month.

Sgt Jacks, who has 15 years experience in the force, added: "Since arriving I have been made very welcome by the community and its leaders.

"By August 21 all the CBM's will be in post and these will be complemented by Special Constables.

"Our aim is to build on this relationship and forge stronger links with the community and other agencies," he added.